I could not be more thrilled to work with the passionate, hardworking, and supportive leaders from our regions in PA. At our September meeting we began planning for our State Conference and Convention, held on April 10-11, 2015, *Mark your calendars* held in Hershey, PA; the theme is Raising the Bar for Public Education. The ideas were rolling in and I have a feeling this is going to be the best conference yet! We also had the chance to discuss the happenings of each region. We are determined more than ever to build our membership, educate our members on what is going on state and nationwide, provide professional development opportunities, and to partake in momentous community service experiences!
Our Vice President, Dave Remaley (Pitt Greensburg), is involved in Student PSEA because he is passionate about fixing the issues in our government – most importantly, budget cuts. He is inspired by PSEA members who fight for equal opportunities for their students. He knows it is important to be involved while we are students because soon we will be the generation fighting for our students.
Our Secretary, Sara Bycura (Slippery Rock) says she loves being surrounded by people who are just as passionate about education and helping others. She gets her drive and passion from the discussions she holds with others in Student PSEA, and after each conversation, she is more excited and inspired than before.
Katelyn Reed (PSU University Park) is our new PACE, Political Action Committee for Education, representative. She is passionate about political action and understands the importance of being educated on what is going on in the government that affects our future, our jobs, and our profession.
(Katelyn pictured far right; joined by the PA Student Delegates of the Nation Education Association Representative Assembly in Denver, CO and PSEA president Mike Crossey and VP Jerry Oleksiak)
The Central Region is off to a great start, led by region president, Casey Yakelitis (Lock Haven University). Lock Haven is doing Adopt a Solider, The Color Run, and hosting a children’s Halloween party. Penn State University Park’s chapter has been active in THON, is making 3rd grade pen pals, and is participating in the homecoming parade. We are thrilled to have Casey on our team. She joined Student PSEA because she knew the importance of getting involved and because she wanted to meet other future educators and participate in community service projects.
(Casey, far right; joined by other Student PSEA members at the Student PSEA Statewide Outreach to Teach in Erie, PA)
Devon Vallies (Clarion University) is leading the Midwestern Region. The MW Region Conference has a planned date of November 9, 2014. Geneva and Slippery Rock have been actively recruiting members and planning for a fun, successful year. Devon says he is excited to be part of the state leadership team as a sophomore; he wants to inspire other members to join early!
(Devon pictured back left; joined by some other Student PSEA Executive Committee members)
We are happy to have Bridget Kelly (East Stroudsburg University) for her second year as Northeastern Regionpresident. Bridget joined the leadership team because she knew the importance of being a leader. All educators are leaders of the most important group, our classroom. She said Student PSEA has helped her break out of her shell and welcome new friendships and opportunities.
(Bridget pictured middle row, third from the right; joined by the Student PSEA '13-'14 Executive Committee)
Morgan Simonson (PSU Behrend) will lead the Northwestern Region again for her second year. Penn State Behrend members are attending an Erie Otters Game, going to Peak ‘n’ Peek this winter to tube and collaborate, participating in Toys for Tots, celebrating Dr. Seuss Day, and preparing “goodie bags” for their student teachers. Morgan looks forward to a spring NW Region Conference with members from Edinboro, Mercyhurst and Gannon University!Morgan joined Student PSEA for the networking opportunities and to meet other future educators. She is excited for her future as a guidance counselor, where she can help children find their voice.
(Morgan pictured front, right; joined by the PA student representatives at the 2014 NEA Student Connections Conference in Las Vegas, NE)
We welcome Jenn Matuza (West Chester University) as our new Southeastern Region president! She has been actively communicating with Villanova, St. Joseph’s, Drexel, and Cabrini College. Jenn is working with SE Region VP, Amanda Nestler, to plan the SE Region Conference on Safety in Our Schools on November 8th held at West Chester University. Eight members from the SE Region attended the PSEA SE region Election Kickoff Event on September 10th. Jenn joined Student PSEA because she enjoys being around other teachers and students who are equally passionate; they motivate her to be the best educator she can be.
(Jenn in front of PSEA Headquarters, across from the capitol building in Harrisburg, PA)
Last year’s Southern Region VP, Lauren Kriebel (Millersville University), is now our Southern Region president. Her first project in the works is a Southern Region newsletter to maintain communication between her region. She and the other Southern region executive board members have been busy planning their Southern Region Conference, held on November 2nd, at Millersville University. They will have four workshops: Special education strategies, Word work/literacy workshop, Math/Science/Literacy, and Portfolio/Resume Builder. Lauren has been actively communicating withShippensburg, LVC, and York College.
(Lauren with Allison Breiner, last year's Southern president)
Victoria Rodriquez (Carlow University), the new Western Region president has goals to help start a chapter atDuquesne, communicate with Chatham and LaRoche, and to successfully hold a Western Region conference. Carlow University is excited to plan a beautification project on an elementary school in need. Tori joined Student PSEA because she felt a desire to learn more about what is going on in our state that impacts us as future educators. She loves being surrounded by other students and teachers who have the same interests and understand her passion.
(Tori, center; pictured with other student members at the '14 Student PSEA Outreach to Teach)
Ashley Muscarella (Pitt Greensburg) is our new Southwestern Region president. Pitt Greensburg is getting involved in the upcoming November 4th elections, attending a Pirates Game in collaboration with California University of PA, and Carlow University. Also, the SW region is planning an Outreach to Teach project in spring of 2015 in an underprivileged Elementary school, Jeannette Elementary, to beautify and make a more desirable learning environment for the students. The SW Region has active members at Cali University, Seton Hill, St. Vincent, Pitt Greensburg, Washington and Jefferson and Waynesburg University!
(Ashley pictured on the left)
Finally, we welcome Kaydee Gathagan from Mount Aloysius College as the Central Western Region president. We are excited to see Indiana University and St. Francis University collaborate and come together as the CW Region!
I could not be more motivated or inspired by the State Executive Committee members. I am honored to represent Pennsylvania as your Student PSEA president. I look forward to an eventful year of Professional Development, Community Service, Membership Development, and Political Action. Reach out to your region presidents for guidance, support, and any questions. Also, I am an email/phone call away! I know that Pennsylvania has the potential to be one of the best student programs in the nation. You should be proud to be a member!
-Lauren Williams
Student PSEA President
West Chester University of PA
(610)-468-6611
